Simpson in September??!!

G'day Inland Sailor,

Mate it is a can of worms that has and airing on this forum a couple of times. It realy polarises te community on this forum, there are those that say you shouldn't and those that say you can.

Those that say you shoudn't, do so for many reasons but apart from those that are concerned with your personal welfare (there are some) a large majority just don't want trailers in the Simpson because they think it environmentally irresposible. This is based mainly on SA Parks recommendations and past actions of others that may have dumped their trailers.

Those that say you can, yes there are a couple, I have found speak from their personal experience of having done this. They generally qualify their response around the vehicle (is it up to it), the trailer (is it up to it), how well prepared you are (winch etc, spares, travelling with others) and most importantly if you break down expect it to cost big bucks for a recovery.

Hope that in my effort to be succinct I haven't offended anyone.

The best road depends on the conditions at the time but I,m led to believe this is the Rig Road. I am planning to cross in late September, maybe we can hook up.

Kind regards

In May this year I went across the French Track the down to WAA line and then back to the French. The group in front had two trailers and went along the French line, they had to be snatched over in a few location.

Not only did they find it difficult, they chopped the crap out of the track when snatching the trailer and the heavy driving to get them over the others.

The Rig track would be the better option if you have to take a trailor.

The biggest factor in sept /oct is the weather, I've been across twice (out of 13 crossings by various routes) at this time of the year and ambient temps willl/can be in the high 40's to low 50's making it very hard work climbing really soft dunes. If you must do it at this time of the year consider travelling early in the day and resting up in the afternoon. It will be hard work for both the vehicle and the occupants.

Thanks for those replies. The issue of weather seems of some concern, those temps seem high for thst time of year. I would have thought Feb - March would have been the hottest.

There are those who say 'you can' those who say 'you should not' and those who say 'I did'. As has been mentioned before I always qualify with the follows musts:
1. Good Vehicle. (more important when taking a CT you need grunt and traction control)
2. Good Trailer. We didn't see any wreckages like some have but a cheap CT will only cause pain.
3. Good technique. Don't go like a bat outa ... But don't idle Either momentum to get over dunes is required.
4. Lower tyre pressures. A must. We started running 25psi but lowered to 22psi which as much better. Some will say 17psi which I understand.
5. Have a plan B. conditions change and you may need to go via another way.

We went last Sep and had no trouble. It was abit hot 38-40deg any heaps of flies. Have a go and have fun.

Follow the link on my rig pic to my web site of our trip.

Gaz